President Bola Tinubu has expressed condolences over the death of renowned actor Usman Baba Pategi, popularly known by his stage name Samanja.
In a statement on Monday, Tinubu described the 84-year-old’s passing as a painful loss to Nigeria. He said Samanja contributed through his military service and entertainment career.
The late Pategi chose to obey the call to national duty when the country needed his service. His television show, Samanja, was must-watch entertainment for decades. Through the show, he taught young citizens national values and respect for our service people. He was a patriot who left behind several indelible impressions,” the President said.
The president consoled Samanja’s family, the people of Niger and Kaduna states, the Pategi Emirate Council and Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Samanja died on Sunday after battling an illness according to family sources. He was considered an iconic actor who shaped early TV programming in northern Nigeria.
Many mourned his death on social media as a monumental loss for the country’s entertainment scene. He is survived by his wife and children.
